Everything You Wanted to Know about Acupuncture Needles!

Here’s everything (and probably more) that you always wanted to know about acupuncture needles, which are used to stimulate the flow of qi energy.

They are made from stainless steel and flexible are like a wire (but not hollow)

They’re not much thicker than hair, and much thinner than a sewing needle or the hypodermic needle used to give a shot

Historically, they were made from stone or animal bone

They come in many different gauges (thicknesses) and lengths:

Shorter needles for areas of the body with thinner skin and limited fat/muscles

Longer needles for areas with more body fat and muscle

Thinner needles for less stimulation, thicker needles for greater stimulation

Like other needles, they are considered biohazard waste so disposed of in biohazard containers through medical waste disposal services following all local, state and federal guidelines

We know the qi has been stimulated from a feeling of numbness, achiness or slight electrical sensation when the needle is inserted. Once the needle is in there, there should be no lasting or lingering sensation. However, during the acupuncture session, an overall sense of wellbeing and relaxation is common!